Studying at Heriot-Watt

Studying abroad

Scotland is an exciting country to live in and explore. Our Edinburgh campus is a short bus ride from Edinburgh city centre, Scotland's capital city, offering shopping, sightseeing, incredible architecture, galleries, and museums. Whilst our Orkney and Scottish Borders campuses are surrounded by breath taking Scottish landscapes for those interested in outdoor activities

Edinburgh

Steeped in history, a walk down the Royal Mile, the oldest street in the city, takes you from the Castle, parts of which date to the 12th century, to Holyrood Palace – a royal palace since before Mary Queen of Scots and still used by the Royal Family today. From King Arthur to Alexander Graham Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle, the city buzzes with stories and tradition. Home to over 15 festivals each year, including the Hogmanay New Year celebrations and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh's streets are constantly filled with music, dance and performance art.

Exploring Scotland

The bus and train networks allow you to explore Scotland easily, so you can spend your spare time visiting some of the world's most beautiful wild landscapes from the Trossachs in the West, the Highlands in the North, and the Borders in the South. Our Edinburgh Campus is also close to the city airport, giving you access to many major cities in the UK and other European capitals.

Choosing Heriot-Watt

By joining us at Heriot-Watt you will benefit from new teaching experiences in an exciting new environment.

Our history dates back to 1821, Heriot-Watt has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and industry.

We are also Scotland's most international university with 33% of our on-campus students coming from outside the UK.

Programmes offered

To find out which programmes are available for visiting students or to request more information, please contact visitingstudents@hw.ac.uk.

Five good reasons to study at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh

1. The experience will provide you with the opportunity to develop academically as well as personally.
2. It will provide you with fantastic opportunities to travel around Scotland, the UK and Europe.
3. You'll gain first-hand experience of a new culture, helping you become more globally literate.
4. You will be empowered to make new friends, get involved in new and exciting social opportunities and be a true ambassador for your country.
5. It will look fantastic on your CV!

Accommodation

Both the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders campuses offer on-campus accommodation in single occupancy rooms. Most rooms come with en suite (private) bathrooms. All accommodation is self-catered, meaning you'll have access to a full kitchen to prepare your own meals. Although meal plans aren't provided, catering facilities are available on both campuses.

Living on campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world and make lifelong friends. All student accommodation is conveniently located within easy reach of the teaching buildings, catering venues and other facilities. There is also 24-hour Safeguarding on campus to assist with any issues that may arise.

For further information, please visit the Accommodation pages for each campus:

• Edinburgh Campus accommodation
• Scottish Borders Campus accommodation

How to apply

If you would like to apply to study at Heriot-Watt as a visiting student, please read our guidance and submit your application.